metamorphose

[ met-uh-mawr-fohz, -fohs ]

verb (used with object)

, met·a·mor·phosed, met·a·mor·phos·ing.

1. to change the form or nature of; transform.

   Synonyms: transmute, mutate

2. to subject to metamorphosis or metamorphism.

verb (used without object)

, met·a·mor·phosed, met·a·mor·phos·ing.

1. to undergo or be capable of undergoing a change in form or nature.

   Synonyms: transmute, mutate

metamorphose

/ ˌmɛtəˈmɔːfəʊz /

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo metamorphosis or metamorphism

Other Words From

• unmet·a·morphosed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metamorphose¹

First recorded in 1570–80; back formation from metamorphosis

Example Sentences

"These metamorphosed sedimentary rocks that have melted and produced granites that concentrate uranium and thorium are like black box flight recorders that record pressure and temperature," Smye said.

From Science Daily

Previous studies had found that smooth muscle cells metamorphose into different types of cells inside these atherosclerotic plaques and multiply to make up most cells within the plaques.

From Science Daily

"In the last 30 years my ideas around loss have been in a continuous state of metamorphosing," she writes.

From Salon

On Earth, there’s an efficient way “to get those rocks up to the surface and cycle surface rocks down to be metamorphosed,” McSween says.

From National Geographic

They pulsate, drip, twist, ooze, squirm and sometimes even metamorphose, and when they were displayed alongside the menacing work of the “Alien” artist H.R.

From New York Times

Related Words

• mutate
• transmute